Glossary

blocking

shimming metal plate for the purpose of levelling or support

blueprint reading

the systematic and methodical interpretation of various lines, symbols, views, dimensions, written notes and specifications

Computer Numerical Control (CNC)

a control system in which numerical values corresponding to a desired tool or control positions are generated by a computer/computer program

coping

the removal of material in flange, web of beam or channel

detail drawings

the transferring of information from a customer supplied drawing into detailed drawings to simplify the manufacturing of custom steel fabricated components

dimensioning

a process of assigning dimensions to a mechanical drawing

dunnage or falsework

wood or other materials used to support or protect components

FCAW

flux core arc welding

flame cutting

cutting that uses the flame of an oxy-fuel torch and high pressure stream of oxygen

ironworker

a tool that performs a number of tasks including plate and bar shearing, coping and mitring of structural shapes, punching and bending operations

jig

a device used to position and hold parts for assembly and repetitive (or other) operations

layout

the process of transferring lines, centres, and other informative markings from the blueprint

mig welding (GMAW)

metal inert gas (mig) welding

MSDS

material safety data sheets

nesting

utilizing material to achieve the least waste

nibbling

removing material for required inverted openings

notching

the process of making a cut that removes an amount of material

numerical control

transfer of information for data control

plate roll

a power machine used to roll steel plate into the desired shape according to drawings

press brake

a power machine used to produce bends in plate steel

Q.A. manual

quality assurance manual

SOP

standard operating procedures

stick welding (SMAW)

a common shop term for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) which uses a flux coated electrode

structural drawings

design drawings that show plans, sections, details, and elevations required for construction. They also include the sizes and general arrangement

tack weld

used to hold parts in alignment

template

a gauge or pattern used as a guide to replicate a piece being fabricated

tig welding (GTAW)

tungsten inert gas (tig) welding

tirfor

a hand operated pulling or hoisting device

tolerance

a permissible deviation from a specified dimension

torque tightening

the tightening of nuts and bolts to a given specification

trammel points

a compass for drawing large circles that consists of a beam with two sliding parts

trial assembly

to assemble the actual component or sub-component to be produced on a temporary basis in order to ensure correct fit

Abbreviations